Francis Bellotti facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Francis Bellotti
Bellotti in 1962
39th Attorney General of Massachusetts
In office January 2, 1975 – January 3, 1987
Governor	Michael Dukakis Edward J. King
Preceded by	Robert H. Quinn
Succeeded by	James Shannon
61st Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
In office January 3, 1963 – January 7, 1965
Governor	Endicott Peabody
Preceded by	Edward F. McLaughlin Jr.
Succeeded by	Elliot Richardson
Personal details
Born	Francis Xavier Bellotti (1923-05-03)May 3, 1923 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	December 17, 2024(2024-12-17) (aged 101)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Margarita E. Wang ​ ​ (m. 1949; died 2022)​
Children	12, including Michael G.
Education	Tufts University (BA) Boston College (JD)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy
Rank	Lieutenant (junior grade)
Battles/wars	World War II

Francis Xavier Bellotti (born May 3, 1923 – died December 17, 2024) was an American lawyer and politician. He held important jobs in Massachusetts, serving as both the state's Attorney General and its Lieutenant Governor.

Early Life and Education

Francis Bellotti was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He went to Tufts University and earned a degree in 1947. Later, he studied law at Boston College and became a lawyer in 1952. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. He reached the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade), which is a naval officer rank.

Working for the Public

Francis Bellotti first ran for public office in 1958. He wanted to be the district attorney for Norfolk County, Massachusetts. However, he did not win that election.

In 1964, he ran for governor of Massachusetts. He won the primary election for his party. This meant he was chosen to represent the Democratic Party. But he lost the main election to John A. Volpe. In 1966, Bellotti ran for Attorney General of Massachusetts. He was again the Democratic nominee, but he was defeated by Elliot Richardson.

Later, as Attorney General, Bellotti was part of an important court case. It was called First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti. This case helped establish that companies also have some free speech rights. These rights are protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Later Years

In 2012, a courthouse in Quincy, Massachusetts, was named in his honor. This was a special way to recognize his public service.

Bellotti also worked as the Vice Chairman of Arbella Insurance Group. He lived to be very old, turning 100 on May 3, 2023. He passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 101.

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